Interview with Professional Model Ashley Alexiss by Tom Remp

Though it might seem out of context with S.A.L's usual fare, I am proud to be able to interview Ashley, an aspiring model with a self-promoted online following of almost two hundred thousand and climbing.

I've been keen to talk to Ashley because I wanted to find out more about the stereotypes relating to her profession, what motivates her and how one cultivates such a powerful online image as well as her view on some of the negative aspects of the industry such as body-image.

-Tom Remp

S.A.L: Tell us a bit about yourself just to get us started.

A.A: To cure your curiosity, Ashley Alexiss, is definitely not your average professional model. Along with being Playboy Miss Social February 2011, Miss Cintron Energy 2012, Hemigirl of the year 2012, and Miss Poker Centerfold 2011, She is a full time student & full time model. She is never part time with anything she does. She says, "If I'm part-time with something, I wouldn't be putting my 100% into it, well at least that's how I see it."Alexiss, has been modeling professionally for 3 years but has been in front of the camera for 4. Taking beautiful photos isn't the only thing she loves doing though. She has 4 years of acting training under her belt and hopes to put them to the test on the big screen sometime in the near futue.The word "NO" doesn't exist in her vocabulary when it comes to her dreams, She can't nor will she ever give up on them.

This unique model is full of energy, confidence, & curves! Her main dream is to be a famous role model for all girls and boys that need a little inspiration to attack their dreams with full force. Another one of her dreams is to put many major publications under her belt and create a national anti bullying campaign. This young, talented individual will stop at nothing to make it to the top and feels that she'd represent all her supporters very proudly!

S.A.L: What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about what you do and who you are? Which pisses you off the most?

A.A:I think the funnest thing I hear a lot is that I’m a porn star because my name is associated with Playboy. First of all, my title of Playboy’s Miss Social February 2011 is for a NON-NUDE model contest that Playboy holds monthly, so I’m not even nude in any of my shots in my pictorial on Playboy.com. Also, Playboy is not porn. People are really naïve and should look into things before they make assumptions, if they did, they’d realize I have no nude images anywhere and am a glamour model.

S.A.L: What’s the average step-by-step story of a professional model, how long does this usually take?

A.A: You have to start somewhere. You need to build up your portfolio and make it diverse, then you start booking shoots, then you get involved with companies and increase your exposure. It’s like a domino effect, the time it takes depends on how hard you work.

S.A.L:What does your average week consist of?

A.A: Marketing, promoting, interacting with supporters, school, then trying to fit sleep in there somewhere, haha.

S.A.L: What do you consider your core values? Do any of these conflict with your chosen profession? If so, how do you handle that?

A.A: I believe in never giving up and staying true to yourself and where you come from. NEVER forget those who have helped you; These help me with what I do, they help me stay humble.

S.A.L: What did you want to do growing up?

A.A:First I wanted to be a lifeguard because of Bay Watch, then I wanted to be a meteorologist, then a lawyer... pretty spread out, haha.

S.A.L: You run an incredibly successful self-marketing campaign with almost 200K fans on FB alone. What are some of your secrets? How many hours do you put into it a week? Do you do it all yourself?

A.A: I am always interacting and sharing other models that share me in return. I’m proud of say I created the whole share-for-share craze and it’s really helped me increase my fanpage. I also do a tone of interviews and features, which also helps my exposure. Everyday, it’s always all me.

S.A.L: Do you plan to use your publicity as a platform for positive social change? What causes do you support?

A.A: I definitely do plan on that. Something I’m working on is creating a huge national anti-bullying campaign.

S.A.L: What are your views on body image and the way it’s portrayed in the media?

A.A: I feel that everyone needs to know they’re beautiful because of who they are and not what they look like; the media forgets this.

S.A.L: Obviously, you buck the trendy for creepily skinny models. Have you ever struggled with your weight, if so what got you over it? what advice can you give to young girls who struggle with trying to look perfect?

A.A: I have struggled with my weight because I couldn’t understand why I’ve always had hips and other girls didn’t.. I now look at it as a blessing and I’m glad I have the womanly figure that I do. All girls need to know that being healthy is NOT a bad thing, it should be their number one priority.

S.A.L: I believe that you’re not currently single. How does your boyfriend deal with the fact that over a hundred thousand men are currently looking at skimpy pictures of you? How do you manage a healthy relationship at the same time?

A.A:My boyfriend is so supportive and I’m very lucky to have him keep me sane. He pushes me to constantly better myself and even helps me with promotion. He knows that at the end of the day, I’m his girlfriend and I’m waking up next to him, which is what really matters.

S.A.L: What are your favorite things about the modeling world?

A.A:I love being able to meet so many different types of people. It really opens your mind.

S.A.L: On the flip side What does the modeling world really have to work on? Is it moving in the right direction, if so why?

A.A:The modeling world needs to work on being so damn judgmental and fake. It’s hard to trust anyone because of this, we need to look at ourselves before we point the finger on anyone else.

S.A.L: If you became president, what are the first three things that you’d do?

A.A:I’d make it a national law to ban any type of bullying and create extremely harsh punishments for those who are bullies. I’d also make it easier for people to get jobs. As a student, it’s frustrating knowing we’re spending all this money to graduate and to potentially STILL be jobless! Last thing I would do is, paint the white house pink :P

S.A.L: How much do you think the average model spends on physical enhancements; breasts, etc?

A.A:I have no clue. I spend money on my hair and makeup, I can’t imagine how much some models spend on plastic surgery. I am in NO WAY against it, but sometimes we need to prioritize.

S.A.L:Who’s your favorite photographer? Why?

A.A:Stewart Smith! He’s not only been inspiring with all of his work but he’s also a dear friend who genuinely cares about my growth in this industry. He is so talented yet so humble and that is something I look up to. Thanks Stew! You can check out his work at www.stewartsmithphotography.com

S.A.L: Do you find that because you're blonde and a professional model that the average man treats you with disrespect?

A.A: Nope. I’m not afraid to speak my mind and put someone in their place. Most people hush up when I open my mouth and they realize I know what I’m talking about.